Cyber Security Training: Protect Our Internet

Erica Freedman, SwitchUp

2018/05/11

Cyber security training is out there. All you have to do is find your right match:

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is defined by Merriam Webster as “measures taken to protect a computer or computer system (as on the Internet) against unauthorized access or attack.” In recent times, cyber security has become a buzzword among technology professionals, with more training programs and certifications coming on the scene. Many have found cyber security training leads to a popular and rewarding career. A cyber security bootcamp is able to train students to defend against attacks or viruses, power outages or hackers. This training can lead to a career working for a large company or even our government.

What is Cyber Security Used For?

The core focus of cyber security is to protect individuals and businesses against cyber threats which include: malware, ransomware, and phishing. As cyber security tactics and systems evolve, so do the hackers who innovate these invasive and detrimental systems. As a result, the profession of cyber security involves constant learning and innovating. The types of organizations or systems an individual working in cyber security may encounter include:

-Cyberterrorism: The disruptive use of information technology by terrorist groups to further their ideological or political agenda.

-Cyberwarfare: Nation-States using information technology to penetrate another nation’s networks to cause damage or disruption. Cyber-warfare attacks are primarily executed by hackers who are well-trained in exploiting the intricacies of computer networks and operate under the auspices and support of nation-states.

-Cyberespionage: The practice of using information technology to obtain secret information without permission from its owners or holders.

Cyber Security Jobs

When you think of cyber security, a major motion picture with a hacker taking large files from the CIA may come to mind. But did you know that outside of financial, medical or personal information systems needing protection, small businesses in the United States need the same protection? 99.7% of companies in the United States are small businesses,, and if you learn cyber security, they will need your help.

According to Forbes, “the global cybersecurity market is expected to reach 170 billion by 2020. This rapid market growth is being fueled by an array of technology trends, including the onslaught of initiatives with ever-evolving security requirements, like “bring your own device” (BYOD) and the internet of things (IoT); the rapid adoption of cloud-based applications and workloads, extending security needs beyond the traditional data center.”

There are many jobs that one can get when trained in cyber security. These include:

Chief Information Security Officer: Select, oversee and provide leadership for any initiatives that concern the overall security of an organization. Possibly consulting with FBI, law enforcement and government on corporate security matters.

Penetration Tester: Probes for and exploits security vulnerabilities in web-based applications, networks, and systems. These are considered “legal hackers.”

Incident Responder: Rapidly deals with security incidents and threats within an organization. Needs to be able to find the root cause of a problem quickly and efficiently as well as comfortably train other individuals to do the same.

Security Analyst: This entry-level position is responsible for detecting and preventing cyber threats to any organization.

According to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Cyber Security Analyst is currently $80,314 in United States.

If you are looking to start cyber security training, some popular cyber security bootcamp programs include: Evolve Security Academy, Codeworks and Holberton School.

Our world is now dependent on interconnectedness. The sharing of information is constant, fast and often difficult to track. If you attend a cyber security bootcamp, you are working towards becoming an internet cop of sorts, ensuring the web stays a safe, healthy and helpful place for all.